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Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Leighton Buzzard for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Sports Coaching Courses in Central Bedfordshire.

Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Leighton Buzzard. Classes run at Cedars Upper School, full-time over two years.

The course covers sport science, coaching principles, physical activity promotion, and the physiology behind human performance. You'll also study leadership, officiating, and how sport connects to health and wellbeing. Entry requires a Grade 5 at GCSE PE or a BTEC Merit or Distinction. A good GCSE grade in Biology or Physics is strongly recommended.

You'll finish with an OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity.

Who this course is for

This is course is for those students who want to further their studies and potential career with a higher Physical Education qualification.

You will need to be physically fit and participating in one sport and officating/leading in another. You will experience pressures from school work and on the social scene but you need to maintain a balance of ‘work and play’. The ability to work independently, in groups and meet deadlines is essential.

Be able to write fluently in continuous prose and read widely about sport.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 at GCSE PE

BTEC Merit / Distinction

A good grade at GCSE science is highly recommended particularly in Biology and Physics

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the science behind how the body responds to exercise and physical activity.
  • You'll study coaching methods and how to plan and lead sports sessions.
  • You'll learn how to officiate in a sport and take on leadership roles.
  • You'll examine how physical activity contributes to health and wellbeing.
  • You'll develop skills in analysing sports performance and applying feedback.
  • You'll practise working independently and meeting deadlines under academic pressure.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons, practical sports sessions, and written assignments. Assessment combines coursework units with external examinations. You'll need to actively participate in sport and take on officiating or leadership roles as part of your studies. Written work requires extended prose, so strong written communication is important throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. There is a cost of around £40 for textbooks, additional books, and photocopying. Cedars Upper School will confirm exactly what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Fitness instructor, leads exercise classes or personal training sessions.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education lessons in a school.
  • Community sport development officer, promotes physical activity in local communities.
  • Leisure centre assistant, works across fitness, swimming, and recreation facilities.
  • Sports administrator, coordinates events, bookings, and club operations.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, a larger qualification covering more units if you want a broader sport and fitness foundation.
  • Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching or Sports Science, a higher education route into coaching or research roles.
  • PGCE or School Direct, if you want to qualify as a PE teacher after a relevant degree.
  • Personal Training qualification at Level 3, a practical route into fitness instruction.
Apply on cedarsupper.org.uk →
Apply now →

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